2012 - 2013 Computer Science Courses

CMPT

100

The Information Age: A Changing Society, Computers, and You, LE

(3)

An overview of how computing technology--and the Internet--works and how it is transforming our society. This course is about seeing technology, thinking about it, understanding how basic aspects of it work in simple terms, and considering the current and potential impacts of technology on us and on our world. Topics include programming robots as well as three-dimensional animated worlds.

CMPT

200/
300/400

Special Topics

(1-4)

A special topics course covering new or specialized courses in Computer Science. Prerequisites will vary with course content.

CMPT

201

Introduction to Computer Science

(4)

Introduction to programming fundamentals, including problem solving skills, program design, object-oriented programming, coding, testing, and debugging using the Java programming language. Three lectures and one two-hour lab. Co-requisite: MATH 105 and current computer literacy skills. Offered every Fall semester.

CMPT

202

Introduction to Data Structures

(4)

Introduction to a variety of computer science topics including recursion, data structures and software engineering principles using Java. Three lectures and one two-hour lab. Prerequisites: CMPT 201. Offered every Spring semester.

CMPT

251

Computer Systems and Programming

(4)

An examination of a computer system from the programmer's perspective. We examine the compiler, the operating system, the hardware, and their interaction. Next we explore how software interacts with each of these layers. Such study helps explain how to write more efficient software. We will introduce and use the C programming language, the UNIX operating system, and Intel assembly. Offered every Fall semester. Prerequisites: CMPT 201.

CMPT

260

Computer System Fundamentals

(4)

This course provides an overview of the fundamental components of a modern computer system including computer architecture and organization, operating systems, and computer networks. Additional topics include computer security, databases, the Internet and the World Wide Web.

An overview of constructing software using an Agile approach to software development and design. Topics include software planning and design, scheduling, testing and reliability, and software maintenance. A semester-long project developed in a group setting. Prerequisite: CMPT 202.

An introduction to the fundamentals of computer security as it relates to several areas of computer science including networking, operating systems, and databases. Topics range from cryptography to less technical areas such as user policies and legal issues. Basic UNIX/Linux skills are recommended. Prerequisite: CMPT 251.

Students will write a detailed proposal describing their capstone project to be completed in CMPT 390. Prerequisites: computer science or computer information systems major in the last Fall semester of his or her course of study. Offered every Fall semester.

CMPT

387

Undergraduate Teaching

(1)

For teaching assistants in lower division computer science problem solving courses. A maximum of two credit hours of CMPT 387 may be applied toward the major or minor. Prerequisite: consent of program director.

CMPT

390

Senior Capstone Project

(2)

A required capstone course for senior computer science and computer information systems majors. The purpose is to develop a significant independent software project. In addition, students are expected to submit portfolios of their coursework at Westminster College. Prerequisites: computer science or computer information systems major in the last Spring semester of his or her course of study. Offered every Spring semester.

CMPT

401

Directed Studies

(1-4)

A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Computer Science Program. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor and school dean.

CMPT

440

Internship

(1–8)

Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing (for transfer students, at least 15 hours completed at Westminster), minimum 2.5 GPA, and consent of program director and Career Center internship coordinator. A maximum of 4 hours of CMPT 440 may be applied toward the major or minor.